Cashmo, born Achim Welsch on April 17, 1984, in Stolberg, Germany, is a German rapper and music producer celebrated for his gritty, authentic storytelling. Raised in Duisburg after his parents’ separation, his early years were turbulent, marked by behavioral struggles and multiple stints in juvenile detention. During his time in custody, Cashmo discovered U.S. rap, which sparked his passion for music. At just 15, he faced legal troubles again and was sentenced to six months in prison. Soon after his release, he was convicted for a gas station robbery and sentenced to three years. It was in the Siegburg correctional facility where Cashmo began writing his first rhymes, recording tracks with fellow inmates, and shaping the foundation of his music career.

After his release in 2002, Cashmo formed the rap group Rebellous-Soldia with Tu2Face, a fellow inmate. The group gained some attention with their demo tapes, which led to a collaboration with the label Plattenpapzt. However, internal conflicts caused the group to disband, and Cashmo shifted focus to his solo career. He established his own studio in Aachen and co-founded the label Blokkmukke with Plattenpapzt. Cashmo’s debut street album Im Visier dropped in 2008, followed by the EP Beton Rap in 2010. Over the years, he released several projects, including 1994 (2017), Hoez & Broz (2017), and 1998 (2020). His 2022 single “Made Man,” featuring Sido, charted at #20 on the German Single Trend Charts.